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Blackhawks need to get their legs back for Game 4

Anaheim Ducks left wing Patrick Maroon (19) controls the puck against Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (2) during the third period in game three of the Western Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at United Center on May 21, 2015. Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

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CHICAGO - Somewhere in between the three overtime win and the three and a half hour flight back here from California, the Blackhawks lost their speed.

And with it, they may have lost the ability to dictate the outcome of the remainder of the Western Conference final.

With a crucial Game 4 looming at the United Center on Saturday night, the 'Hawks hope to return to the style that got them through the first two rounds and a series split back in Anaheim.

And to do it, they'll need to get their legs out of the quicksand and not allow the Ducks to control the flow of the game as they did in Thursday's 2-1 win.

"I think any time when you talk about winning a series, you're going to want to play your game," Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf said. "We can't play a run-and-gun game.

"We're not a team that's built to skate up and down the rink all night long and trade chances. We're just not built that way. We have to execute our system and the things we want to do."

The beauty of the first two games of the series was that both teams stuck to the plan that got them here, firm in the belief that it could work. For the 'Hawks, they were flying, creating chances and using their speed. For the Ducks, it was all about inflicting their braun in attempting to slow the skilled Hawks down.

With that in mind, the wear and tear of the three overtime game likely played into the Ducks hands as they enacted a perfect road effort on Thursday. If the Hawks get their legs back and a better early start in Game 4, there's a good chance the series will return to Southern California all square.

"I think (on Thursday) we played a little too much on the perimeter trying to make too many plays," Blackhawks forward Brandon Saad said. "I think when we delay the play, wait to find the perfect shot, they get a chance to get in the lane.

"The more we force it to the net and make quick plays, it's going to be to our advantage."

In Game 3, the tempo at times was reduced to a crawl as both teams were sloppy and lacking the overall brilliance of the Anaheim contests. The Ducks have 84 blocked shots so far in the series and aren't shy about grinding their way through stoppages

"We have good faceoff guys that are confident," Ducks forward Andrew Cogliano said. "I think it frustrates (the Hawks). If you are able to ice them a few times, slow things down just to get a rest, I think it works in your favour."

The Blackhawks may be 5-1 at home these playoffs, but the Ducks have lost just twice in two and a half rounds, both of those in overtime. Potentially worse, they are 5-1 in their past six visits to the United Center where they clearly don't feel the intimidation other teams do.

"It's never a situation you want to be in, especially with a team like Anaheim," Saad said. "They're a deep team and they're deadly."

rob.longley@sunmedia.ca

twitter.com/longleysunsport

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CHICAGO - It is the frustrated call of hockey fans, coaches, parents and teammates in every rink the game is played.

"Shooooot!"

And yes, Bruce Boudreau admits he'd like to see his captain, Ryan Getzlaf fire the puck more often, even if he is a big-part of the dynamite Ducks tandem with Corey Perry.

"Believe me, as coaches, there's times during the course of the year we could wring his neck because he doesn't shoot it," Boudreau said on Friday. "But you have to honour that fact that if he does shoot, it's a great shot. He's just really good at playing off and faking it and giving it to other people."

Getzlaf has been hearing cries for him to fire it since he first came into the league. But in his role as the man to feed linemate Corey Perry, he doesn't want to change too much.

"I'm surrounded with players that put the puck in the net," Getzlaf said. "It's kind of hard for me to argue with making passes. There's games where I think I have opportunities to shoot that I don't and sometimes I kick myself for it."

When Getzlaf set up Simon Despres for the one-time blast and game winner on Thursday, it was his second assist of the game and his 14th playoff assist this spring, matching a Ducks post-season record.

"Most of the time I try and go out there and execute what I feel is the best fit for that play," said Getzlaf, who has five multi-assist games these playoffs. "I'm not going to shoot a whole ton, but I'll try to take my opportunities when they're there. There's always going to be people telling me to shoot more."